The approval process for all construction in Israel is a complicated procedure
that takes at least three years to complete. For controversial projects, such as
those over the Green Line, it can take a decade or more for a project to receive
final approval to begin construction.

Here is an abbreviated look at the
approval process:

• First the project is deposited with the municipality’s Local
Planning and Construction Committee.

• If the Local Committee approves
the project, it moves on to the District Planning and Construction Committee,
which is part of the Interior Ministry. The District Committee discusses each
project at least three times, and gives approval during each step of the way so
the project can move on to the next meeting. The same project could make the
news each time the District Committee gives an approval to move onto the next
step.

• At this point there is also a 60-day period for the public to
file objections and for the District Committee to examine the
objections.

• Once the District Committee is satisfied the objections
have been resolved, it issues its final approval and the project goes back to
the Local Committee for the city’s approval of any changes.

• Then, the
Israel Lands Authority will publish tenders for the project, to allow
contractors to bid to build it.

• Finally, the project must receive a
construction permit from the municipality before construction can begin.